Mesembyranthemum Crystallinum White

Ice Plant / Crystalline Ice Plant (White)

Botanical Name: Mesembryanthemum crystallinum ‘White’
Family: Aizoaceae
Origin: Southern Africa (naturalised in parts of coastal Australia)
Plant Type: Annual to short-lived perennial succulent groundcover

Overview

A low, spreading succulent groundcover that thrives in Adelaide’s hot, dry, and coastal conditions. Mesembryanthemum crystallinum ‘White’ forms a shimmering mat of fleshy, glistening leaves covered in tiny, reflective bladder cells that resemble ice crystals. From late spring through summer, it produces masses of dainty white daisy-like flowers that open in full sun. Exceptionally hardy and low-maintenance, it’s ideal for coastal gardens, rockeries, verges, and waterwise landscapes across South Australia.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 0.1–0.2 m H × 0.4–0.8 m W (spreading mat-forming habit)
• Growth Rate: 15-30 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Thick, succulent, light green leaves with glistening “crystalline” surface; may take on reddish or bronze tones in dry or cool conditions
• Flowers: Small white daisy-like blooms in profusion from late spring through summer
  
• Seasonal Interest: Sparkling, icy-textured foliage year-round; vibrant white flowering display during warmer months
• Wildlife Value: Attracts pollinating insects such as native bees and hoverflies; dense mats provide low shelter for beneficial ground-dwelling insects
• Tolerance: Extremely drought and heat tolerant; Excellent salt and wind tolerance (front-line coastal suitable); Handles reflective heat from paving and gravel; Frost sensitive (may die back in cold winters but readily self-seeds)
• Planting Density: Groundcover: 3–5 plants per m² for full coverage; Mass display: 0.3–0.5 m apart for a continuous, low carpet effect
• Pet Friendly: Generally non-toxic to cats and dogs; as with all succulents, discourage chewing

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun (essential for best foliage colour and heavy flowering)
• Soil: Prefers free-draining sandy or gravelly soils; thrives in poor or coastal limestone soils common across Adelaide and the Fleurieu
• Water Needs: Establishment: light soak 1–2 times/week for 6–8 weeks. Established: very low water needs; deep soak every 2–3 weeks in extreme summer heat; minimal or no water in cooler months
• Maintenance: Virtually maintenance-free; trim or pull back dead foliage after flowering if desired. Mulching not essential but light gravel mulch enhances appearance. Avoid overwatering or rich soils.
• Lifespan: 1–2 years (short-lived perennial/annual) but often self-seeds and naturalises in suitable spots
• Climate Zones: Ideal for temperate, Mediterranean, and coastal SA; thrives across Adelaide plains, Yorke and Eyre Peninsulas, and coastal regions
• Soil pH: Tolerant of a wide pH range—slightly acidic to strongly alkaline; excellent on SA limestone soils

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Coastal and seaside gardens: perfect for binding sandy soils and adding silver-white contrast
• Rockeries and gravel gardens: thrives in heat and poor soil
• Low-maintenance verges and embankments
• Mixed succulent or native dry gardens with Carpobrotus, Eremophila, and Lomandra
• Seasonal filler for gaps in waterwise borders or pots

Why You Will Love It

A dazzling, low-water groundcover that sparkles like frost in the sun and bursts into clouds of white flowers through summer. Mesembryanthemum crystallinum ‘White’ is perfect for Adelaide’s dry, coastal climate—offering resilience, beauty, and effortless ground coverage in even the toughest, sun-baked sites.